Newcastle United have added another youth talent to their ranks with the signing of East Fife goalkeeper Jude Smith. The 19-year-old stopper impressed the Magpies during a trial earlier this summer and has signed a two-year deal with the club.
Smith joined Celtic as a youngster before being released by the Scottish giants last summer. He was snapped up by East Fife and made 25 league appearances as the club were relegated from the Scottish League One. Despite the team's poor performance, Smith picked up East Fife Supporters’ Club young player and players’ player of the year, and the East Fife Supporters’ Trust player of the year.
The deal for Smith reiterates the point that Newcastle have changed their transfer focus since the club's £300m takeover and are now targeting the best young players from around the country, as well as top first-team talent. The club's youth ranks were never a priority under Mike Ashley's regime and subsequently suffered.
